There’s a class that exists before actual school hours start, and a way to only have three, even two, classes in one day instead of four. How are these things possible and what are they called? Look no further than this article (or the Counseling Office or College and Career Readiness Center) for these answers.

Beginning junior year, students are allowed to take a class before school hours start; this is called zero hour. It is a class (Cosmetology, Statistics, or Theory of Knowledge) that takes place every morning from 7:45 to 8:30. This option is available to students who don’t have enough room in their regular schedule to fit every class they desire to take, or if there is a scheduling conflict – sometimes it’s easier to add another class before school rather than take out a class that a student really wanted to attend.

“Zero hour really gives me an opportunity to get the classes I need in,” senior Holly Ekas said, “and if that means taking and early class, then so be it. The benefits outweigh getting a little extra sleep.”

Now that adding a class to the schedule is out of the way, there’s a way to take out classes from the school day: three quarter days. Three quarter days allows students to apply for having three classes in a day rather than four. This is generally used so that students may get to work quickly after school, but it could also be used as an extra study period (or sleep-in period) for students in the morning.

“Actually, because I had a zero hour class, I got to get a three quarter day,” senior Alisa Greene said. “Zero hour is not that bad for me because I’m more of a morning person, but by the end of the day I need a break, and so three quarter days are perfect for me.”

Both of these are possible with regular, AP, and IB courses. Yes, even IB. All it takes is completing coursework for the state Recommended Graduation Plan, Completing a LISD Program of Study, have met the passing standards on all sections of the STAAR, and attendance hours completed to release all credits earned. A form that can be found in the Counselor’s office must be signed by the parents of the student and turned in to the counselors.